A Palm-based security application that acts
as an enhancement to the preloaded Palm security application. Allows for
encryption and a "bomb," which erases the device if the proper
password is not entered.

Highlights

Easy to use; users can disable IR and HotSync; decent
encryption that does not slow down the device

Note: As of March 15th, version 1.1 of PDABomb was released. This review
is based on the 1.0 and 1.1 beta versions.

When it comes to PDAs, security is usually the last thing that users think
about, even though PDAs are becoming more and more commonplace. End users wind
up using PDAs as an auxiliary brain, keeping all of their important and confidential
data stored on it. Well, what happens if someone walks off with your PDA? You
will lose all of that information and wind up on the phone for hours canceling
credit cards, changing bank accounts, and anything else you may need to worry
about. Why not stop this? Add a layer of security to your PDA with something
like PDABomb from Asynchrony.

Features
PDABomb is an enhancement to the original security application already installed
on Palm OS PDAs. PDABomb disables any data transfer mechanisms, such as HotSync
and the IrDA port, so that there is no way to retrieve any data without a recognized
password. You can also encrypt the data on the device, private records or all
records. PDABomb lets you allow either unlimited password attempts, or you can
activate "the bomb." Once activated, "the bomb" will allow
a limited number of attempts (3-10) to enter a correct password. If the password
is not entered, "the bomb" will go off, deleting all the PDA's data
and applications.

The multiple protection levels built into PDABomb include:

Password protection to gain access to any Palm OS applications or data.

When you activate a registered version of PDABomb, the password is encrypted
and is not actually stored on the device. The key to the encrypted password
is re-generated each time you log in.

The bomb will prevent unlimited attempts to break or guess your password
(not available with any other security applications)

Two different encryption methods available that can be set for either private
or public records (not available with other applications)

Additionally, there are a few major enhancements that have been added to PDABomb
1.1 to make the device more secure and easier to use:

The "bomb" can be set to go off if your device is not HotSynced
for a certain period of time (ranging from 8 hours to 99 days)

Delay time period (1 minute to 3 hours) after your device is powered off
before PDABomb locks the device

Users have the option to display user information contained in the Owner
Preferences so that if the device is lost the finder knows where to return
the unit.

Installation
Installation of PDABomb is simple. All that is required is to download the application,
extract the *.prc files, and install using the Palm Install Tool.

Usage/Field Testing
I have been using PDABomb for over a month now. I have found it infinitely better
than some of the other security applications I have been testing: it has an
easy to understand interface and it is very easy to change the preferences and
the passwords. I liked that it could lock down the IR port as well as prohibit
HotSyncs. And I admit it was fun watching "the bomb" go off and delete
everything on my device. Luckily I had several backups.

It was good to find a solid product, especially in lieu of the security hole
in the Palm OS that allows access to the Palm OS debugger. I feel that the multiple
options provided in PDABomb makes it the Palm OS user's best defense to protect
the information on his or her device.

Troubleshooting/Help
I am lucky. Even though I was using a beta build of PDABomb I never had any
trouble. But if I did, there was always an online FAQ and a support e-mail address
to turn to.

PDABomb was created by Asynchrony, a virtual online development community.
The PDABomb development team met on the Asynchrony website and collaborated
together while living in different parts of the world. They encourage end users
to participate in beta testing their products. Those who provide meaningful
feedback are eligible to receive shares in future revenues from the product.
Because of this unique community, I think that even if I had a problem someone
would be more than happy to help me. It reminds me of the Linux Open Source
community.

Conclusion
I used version 1.0 and the beta 1.1 build of PDABomb. I found both to be of
great use to me. I felt that my data was safe and that the only thing I needed
to worry about was accidentally leaving my PDA somewhere.

PDA users should really invest in some type of security for their devices,
before it's too late and charges for $10,000 home entertainment systems wind
up on their AMEX cards.

Ratings Defense
PDABomb gets 5 Geekheads for Quality, even though I was using the beta with
some unfinished features. The 1.0 and 1.1 versions were easy to use and maintain.

PDABomb also gets 5 Geekheads for Geekness because it's unique. It's the first
product I know that deliberately sets out to do damage to a system by erasing
everything.

For addressing the increasingly important area of PDA security in such an effective,
interesting, and unique way, PDABomb also gets a Geek.com
Pick.